Settlement Administrator web site to go live and begin accepting claims late evening of July 23rd. 

Equifax - Frequently Asked Questions

What Is This Case About?

In September of 2017 Equifax disclosed that its electronic files had been breached and that the information of approximately 147 million persons had been unlawfully accessed, including 12.2 million Texans.  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton immediately commenced an investigation to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this massive breach.

On Monday, July 22nd General Paxton announced his office’s entry of a Final Judgment against Equifax as part of a historic $600 million-dollar multistate settlement with the company.

The July 22nd settlement includes four main requirements:

  • Equifax must pay $300 million, up to possibly $425 million, into a Consumer Fund for the benefit of Affected Consumers;
  • Equifax must implement and maintain a comprehensive data security program designed to prevent future breaches and safeguard consumers’ information;
  • Equifax must maintain a Consumer Assistance Process and assist identity theft victims and members of the armed forces and their families with credit issues; and
  • Equifax must also pay $175 million to the states.

The Texas Final Judgment is part of a global settlement that Equifax entered with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a Multi-District Litigation (MDL Court) private class action, 47 state Attorneys General, and the Attorneys General of Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.

Who is an Affected Consumer eligible to benefit from this settlement, and how can I find out if I’m eligible?

Affected Consumers are U.S. consumers whose personal information was impacted by the Equifax breach.  Once the MDL Court approves this settlement, you will be able to find out if you are an Affected Consumer:

  • Online by clicking on the “Am I Impacted” button at www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com; or
  • By calling this toll-free number and asking:  1-833-759-2982.

Either way you will be asked to provide the last six digits of your Social Security number, but that number will be used only to determine if you are affected by the data breach.

What benefits or payments will the Consumer Fund provide for Affected Consumers?

If you are an Affected Consumers, you are eligible for the following:

  • Free Credit Monitoring for 10 years or up to $125 cash payment to reimburse you for credit monitoring services you purchased;
  • Cash Reimbursement for out of pocket losses resulting from the data breach such as what you paid to freeze or unfreeze your credit report and what you paid for professional services to help you address identity theft;
  • Cash Reimbursement for time spent (up to 20 total hours at $25 per hour) remedying fraud, identity theft, or other misuse of your personal information caused by the data breach; and
  • No cost Identity Restoration Services for seven years to help remedy the effects of identity theft and fraud.

How do I make a claim from the Consumer Fund?

As soon as the MDL Court approves the settlement, you will be able to file your claim in one of two ways:

Whether you file your claim online or on paper - be sure and make a note of your claim number for future reference.

How will I know when I can file a claim for reimbursement from the settlement fund?

The court must approve the proposed settlement before you can file a claim.  If you wish to be notified when the settlement website begins accepting claims  from the consumer fund.  This site, run by the Federal Trade Commission, will notify you when claims begin being accepted. 

What is the deadline for me to file a claim?

The MDL Court must set that deadline.  It will be posted on this site, as well as at www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com as soon as it is available, so bookmark this page so that you can easily return for updates.  

I tried to file a claim at www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com but was not able to find a claim form or submit my claim. What should I do?

As of July 22nd, the website is not fully functional so please check back for updates.

Where can I get more information about this settlement?

Go to www.EquifaxBreachSettlement.com for detailed information and to read important documents related to the settlement.  You may also call 1-833-759-2982.

If you don’t find answers at the settlement website or toll-free number, you may call the Office of the Texas Attorney General at 1-800-252-8011.

The Final Judgment to be filed in State of Texas vs. Equifax is available here.  The law suit is available here.

Will I have to pay any fees to file my claim or to receive benefits from this settlement?

Absolutely not.  If anyone contacts you and asks you to pay to file a claim or receive any benefit from this settlement, report that to the Texas Attorney General by calling 1-800-252-8011 or by filing a complaint.

How do I know whether I am a victim of identity theft or identity fraud?

Identity theft happens when someone takes your name and personal information (like your social security number) and uses it without your permission to do things like open new accounts, use your existing accounts, or obtain services. Learn how to spot the warning signs of identify theft and how to take steps to prevent it.